The words enriching and humbling don’t even begin to describe everything I have learned and experienced during my almost 4-month long journey.
Although there’s a pleasant simplicity and ease of ministry life on the race, there are many challenges that with the Grace of God, I have learned to overcome. James 1:2-5 says, “when troubles of ANY kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.
Every challenge I know is for God’s perfect plan. He has a reasoning behind it all that is to vast for me to comprehend. Yet, I have faith and see His goodness as the days continue. Here are some hard challenges that I am thankful for:
1) I am thankful for my giant 60 L backpack that now weighs 38 lbs. During travel days, this backpack feels like it weighs 100 lbs. Especially when I walk through airports and bus stations. But, I am always reminded to be grateful for all this weight I am carrying around. Inside are the contents of God’s provision that’s less than what I ever had, but more than I would ever need.
2) I am thankful that I am never alone. The places we’ve lived in so far have thin walls. Even if you’re in the bathroom, you can hear everything else that is going on. Many times, I’ve wanted to sneak away to find a hiding spot. But, these are the moments where I learn how to lean into my community. Knowing how to live and love community is important to the Kingdom of God. After all, we were made for fellowship.
3) I am thankful that I have limited WiFi and no cell phone data. I recall the times when I would switch between social media posts, text messages, emails, phone calls, photos, or videos. It’s like I was trying to connect with everyone, without ever actually making a connection at all. Now, God is showing me balance. Whether I am looking at a small child in their eyes, holding the hands of an elderly person as they sing, or sitting outside admiring nature, life is happening right in front of me. God revealed the most wonderful things when I chose to look up or ahead, rather than down.
4) I am thankful that I get to share my snacks even though I haven’t had “my own” in a long time. There are moments when I would go to the store eager to buy “my own” special treat, but when I see the young boys playing soccer in the streets or the man that is hungry for food, the words “my own” goes right out the window. Jesus leads to compassion, creating a desire to give out of the abundance of your heart.
5) I am thankful that I don’t have a gym to work out in. At home, God blessed me with several gym memberships that I used to be very dependent on for my physical health. On the world race I’ve used large canned tuna, bricks, or logs for weights. I’ve done more floor exercises than ever before even if the floor is concrete, gravel, sand, dirt, grass, or tiles. And, I’ve been limited on time during my workouts so sometimes I must settle for 5 minutes. God is showing me that all I must depend on is Him as I am given the opportunity to honor Him with my physical health.
6) I am thankful for not understanding all the foreign languages that I am being introduced to. When we go out and preach the Gospel or attend different churches we often have a translator with us. But there are times when they are speaking that I have no idea what is being said or discussed. I can pick up only when they refer to Bible scriptures. It’s during these moments that God reminds me of His sovereignty. What my mind can’t understand, the Spirit of the Lord can. And, that’s what I love about the gift of living with One Spirit in Christ. I can feel it inside when the Word of God is being preached and someone’s heart is being softened to receiving His love.
7) I am thankful for God’s gentle discipline. As I meditate on the Word of God I get convicted of the many areas in my thought life that needs to be changed. It’s uncomfortable and challenging. But there is a difference between conviction and condemnation. Condemnation says, “there’s no hope for you”. But conviction says, “there’s another way”. Romans 8:1 – So now there is no condemnation for those who live in Christ Jesus. I am not be condemned to a hopeless life. Being the good Father that He is, I am taught another way to live that leads me to repentance and joy.
This has been the most challenging yet liberating season of my life. And, I am especially thankful for all of you, my supporters who being obedient to God’s Kingdom gave from your hearts to help me get here! In two weeks, month four will be over and we will be heading to Zambia! Please keep us in your prayers as we will be experiencing changes in leadership positions and teams before we head to our new ministry site. Change is never easy. But we are excited!
***In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I am accepting $10 donations to go towards the building of new classrooms at the Global Leadership Academy in South Africa (gla-jbay.org). It was such an amazing experience to serve alongside some wonderful teachers and faculty. And, I believe God has great plans for the students that attend there. Their goal is to build 4 more classrooms by Christmas, so your donation makes difference! To donate, please use Venmo to my account: @GiseleMarie OR visit — https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/classrooms-4-christmas#/
